Chase Utley was placed on waivers last Saturday, cleared on Tuesday and has been a focal point of trade talks between the Phillies and San Francisco Giants. It appears those talks are heating up even more.
According to Giants beat writer Chris Haft, GM Bobby Evans has confirmed that the Giants have made an offer for the Phillies second baseman. Evans added that he is waiting for the Phillies response to the offer and doesn't expect a deal to be completed on Thursday night.
Details about a possible trade have been forming throughout the day on Thursday. Utley has the ability to veto a trade through his no-trade clause and can allow a trade to any team in baseball. He is open to the possibility of being traded, provided he can get regular playing time.
Enter the Giants, who currently have a hole at second base. All-Star Joe Panik is on the DL. But upon Panik's return, what would happen to Utley? The uncertainty could hinder the trade.
Utley has a player option worth $15 million that will likely not vest due to his time on the DL over the past two months. But he also has a club option worth $11 million for 2016.
The Phillies are looking for a solid return for the former All-Star, but it is likely they will not get a significant return for Utley, who is among the last remaining players from the 2008 World Series team still on the Phillies roster – along with teammates Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz.
The Giants are also close to exceeding the luxury-tax threshold, however, that is likely not going to impede their efforts to acquire help for a playoff push. The Giants are currently five games back of the final wildcard spot.
Evans added that while the offer is on the table, he isn't sure how things will move forward. Evans mentioned that there is "lots of interest by other teams as well." Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki has reported that there are multiple teams that have made offers for Utley, but only the Giants can be confirmed. The Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees have all been rumored to have interest.
Kevin Durso is editorial assistant for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
